The Luton-based carrier, which is also a major operator at Stansted, has benefited from improved revenues trends and benign weather, which reduced levels of de-icing and disruption.

It now expects losses of between £55million and £65m for the six months to March 31, compared with guidance in January of £70m to £90m and a loss of £61m in the same period a year ago.

Chief executive Carolyn McCall said the performance showed the company’s structural advantage in the European short-haul market against both established carriers and low-cost competition.

She added: “Our strategy of offering our customers low fares to great destinations with friendly service and a focus on cost control ensures that we can continue to deliver sustainable growth and returns for our shareholders.”

Revenues per seat are expected to be 1.5% higher in the six months, driven by allocated seating, digital initiatives and longer average flights.

Costs per seat growth is likely to be around 0.5%, which is better than the guidance of 1.5% issued at the end of January.

Profits at easyJet in the last financial year to September 30 jumped 51% to £478m, with ongoing efforts to attract more business travellers meaning it flew more than 60m passengers in a year for the first time.